Geoff
Hall of Fame
It compares the prototype 300g Shift with the soon to be released retail 300g Shift. I mentioned the names of the 3 versions coming out as a FYI
18x20 Wilson Shift prototype
- Thread starter kkm
- Start date
So the specs are essentially identical or close enough right? I was on the fence about buying the proto or waiting for retail. I went ahead and put my order in for the proto since I like the graphics. I was a little apprehensive that there would be a material difference with the final version, but looks like it is a wash either way.
Geoff
Hall of Fame
The only spec change that Wilson made was in the balance on the 3oog version called the 99
Yes, I had heard they would make the retail less head light. But based on your actual measurements isn’t it actually essentially the same or within manufacturing tolerance? I’m not super familiar with the swing weighting scale so I’m not sure if the measurements you took represent anything meaningful or not that a rec player would feel, looks really close to my untrained eye.
Saw it in person, looks almost exactly the same just replaced the matrix dots with a white Wilson logo and added some orange dots on the inside of the throat.
Geoff
Hall of Fame
The orange on the inside of the throat up by the bridge is 99 on one side and V1 on the other side. The text is inside of a small rectangle which is orange and the text is the color of the racquet. There is a small orange W on the side of the throat where the white Wilson is on the letter "l". There is an orange ;one at the top inside center of the head.
y0035215
Rookie
Do they aim for it with the Shift99 or is this your take from the measurements, which can be based on manufacturing tolerances? e. g. my over-spec Shift300 hast a 32,8 balance. So it is closer to the Shift 99 measurements taken by you.
Geoff
Hall of Fame
Two different Wilson reps told me that the change Wilson made in the balance in the Shift 99 was due to consumer feedback. They kept the graphics virtually the same for that reason.
Djinn
Semi-Pro
So the original 320 sw claim was just BS. I knew it after measuring 10 of the 300 Pro Labs version with all having SW between 273-378 unstrung. .I think your measurements showing strung SW around 305-310 are spot on since strings add about 30 SW points.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
What about Shift's buttcaps. Was it changed to standard Wilson's red one or it's still black W Labs? Thank you
Geoff
Hall of Fame
Standard
Geoff
Hall of Fame
I took the specs of the other Shift 99 frames that I strung and added them to the chart below for comparison
| Shift 99 I 300 (Pro Lab version) | Shift 99 (New retail version) | Shift 99 (New retail version) | Shift 99 (New retail version) | |
| Static weight | 318.5g | 319.0g | 319.0g | 318.0g |
| Balance | 32.1cm | 32.5cm | 32.5cm | 32.0cm |
| Swingweight | 307 kg/cm2 | 309 kg/cm2 | 313 kg/cm2 | 303 kg/cm2 |
| RA | 68 | 69 | 69 | 68 |
| String | Wilson NXT 17g | Wilson NXT 16g | Wilson Duo Power | Luxilon ALU Power 125 |
lidoazndiabloboi
Hall of Fame
Glad to hear the lighter ones are staying 16x20. My rep had told me 16x19 but he messes up sometimes.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
Man, Wilson lack of proper QC is on display. 10 SW points difference between 2 (out of 3) new retail sticks
Hopefully heavier Shifts 315/Pro are not that bad. Currently have the Wilson Labs one underspec in static weight at 312g but with SW ~335. What if the new one arrives with SW ~345 and I wouldn't be able to swing it (efficiently and fast enough)? 
Nellethiex
New User
Any news about the final version of the Shift ?
What else is there to tell? It's been described pretty thoroughly in the previous few posts.
Fighting phoenix
Hall of Fame
Right - it's annoying since I love the 315 but had to make sure I got underspec sw ones to avoid just that problem - the first one I ordered I didn't ask for sw to be checked and I got one that was 350sw, so I sent it back.Man, Wilson lack of proper QC is on display. 10 SW points difference between 2 (out of 3) new retail sticks
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
That's why I went with the 300 and even after adding about 6g to the hoop is around 325 sw.
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I wanted 18 mains
besides 315's dual racket character is more noticeable compared to 300.You got a 350SW unstrung frame?!?
What machine did you check the SW on? That's the highest unstrung (unmodified) SW I have ever heard of
Fighting phoenix
Hall of Fame
No, that was the strung sw - Wilson Revolve 17g. I checked it on my handy dandy briffidi sw machine.
Find a local Wilson Rep and ask for a demo. They have the production models, they are pimping them out at events/tournaments right now trying to get pre-orders bc "You aren't gonna be able to get one when they come out" according to my local Rep. I LOL'ed at that one.
Should drive the price of the used "prototypes" down quite a bit on the used market, I'm keeping my eye out for those.
Robbie2005
Rookie
I'd not give up on 300g one. . This racket reacts great to modding 2 uexact optimim weight & as much better string patternthan than 315g . If u double tape head guard. Add Over grip & put lead 3g at 12 it playslays amazing. It's stable. I have string tension 47 mains 44 x's. Like another guy said.
16x20 is a better string pattern.
Shift 300g & Blade pro16x19 r my fav rackets i've played with.315g won't b as fun 2 use.
User friendly. Not just meant 4 just top players as it's in girly blue. Amazing racket.
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Robbie2005
Rookie
Lead taping the 300 is way 2 go, over 315. I think u may have tension wrong 4 it go in mid 40's.. 300 produces an heavy ball & it goes in. 18x 20 string pattern will make ball sail long. The 300 should damage opponents b ecause spin is heavy. I have wilson steam & this is close set up.
I definately rate this racket. 300g is meant to b modded . The whippy head makes it so easy to tailor to ur optimum swingweight. U can't do that with stiff rackets . They become tiring. This is right 4 me at around 308g. The feel is awesome .
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Fighting phoenix
Hall of Fame
I’m curious - how would the 18x20 string pattern make the ball sail long? I’m not having that experience at all with the 315.
Chris Wilson
Rookie
Yeah, I couldn't disagree with this more. I liked the 300, but the 315 is much better for me. More stable, much more control, great spin, and it also flattens out the ball (and slices) much better than the 300. Hits a heavier ball, too. The 300 felt a bit launchy to me; unless I focused on topspin, it could sail. That's not a bad necessarily in the right hands; different people have different swing styles and therefore different preferences for rackets. I could see a lot of people liking the 300 more than the 315, but don't discount it so readily.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
What strings though? I use Big Spin/ Tour Gex 47/44 and bc Big Spin is mushy, I have the confidence to take big cuts at the ball. The ball doesn't sail long.
On the same topic, the coach reminded me yesterday that all swings have to be finished( either over the shoulder or around the body).
Is that your "focusing on topspin"?
Robbie2005
Rookie
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Robbie2005
Rookie
It will stay flatter . The spin of 16 x 20 takes ball down. I'm small so If I play flat the spin won't bite so I'd need to take pace off. Also u get better angles. 18x20 takes ball out b4 spin gets on ball. 16 x 20 is best pattern for both really spin & control it gets both about right 4 me . I only tried artengo tr960 & gravity pro aux in 18 x 20. It mayb diff with shift 315 as it gets u to hit up. U r lossing abit of its it's main asset slightly of great spin that will hurt opponents. Easier to serve with & back court top spin shots should put it as abit better. Slice etc Still great with shift 300. I am not seeing logic in change of string pattern on 315
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Robbie2005
Rookie
Not sail 4 Me with 300 . It depends on set up & modding of racket. Mid 40s tension. Spin string etc abiut 1.25 gauge . I would need a lower spec one of 315g I feel for myself. I was starting out o.k but then u get tired with some 315g rackets. . I feel like it depends on individual. I'd need it underspec etc on 315.ItMain shot most people use is topspin. Back of court 300g should have edge. They should of kept string pattern same. My optimim would b 308-312g racket weight.
Fighting phoenix
Hall of Fame
Ah okay i get that. I Guess for me I generate plenty of spin on the 315, and the denser string pattern gives me a more consistent string bed, plow through, and medium launch angle, which makes me feel more confident to hit all out. To each their own I guess!
alexsoin
Semi-Pro
I guess the rep's answer was a "No"?!
Geoff
Hall of Fame
Correct. Maybe TW will have them on pre sale which will obviously have great pictures. There is a matching bag line that follows the color of the racquet with hints of orange and a medium purple lining,
Vicious49
Legend
Ooooh. This sounds more interesting to me than the racquet release. The bag that TennisMentor had on his vid that Wilson sent him along with the frame looked really nice. I hope they release it to the public.
Geoff
Hall of Fame
Is there a link to the pic? I searched unsuccessfully. If I see the pic I can confirm either way.
